Nottingham Forest, an English Premier League club, is set to sign 22-year-old New Zealand midfielder Marko Stamenic following his impressive season with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia.
The deal is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, and Forest is expected to pay around €5.5 million ($9.6 million) for Stamenic’s services.
This would represent the second-highest sum paid for a Kiwi footballer, behind Chris Wood, who scored 14 goals in the season for Nottingham Forest.
Stamenic will unlikely spend next season in England and will be loaned to Olympiacos for that campaign. Olympiacos, who have been Greek champions 47 times and reached the round of 16 in the Champions League on seven occasions, will be his temporary home.
The move continues a meteoric rise for the Wellington product, who came through the Ole Academy and Western Suburbs before leaving for Europe in 2020.
Stamenic’s versatility and adaptability have been key to his success. He has performed well at every stage, turning his potential into reality. From his time in Denmark, where he played in almost 50 matches, including three appearances in the Champions League, to his move to Red Star last June, Stamenic has consistently proven his ability to adjust and excel.
Stamenic’s impact on the New Zealand national team is a source of pride for his fans. As a young player, he has shown physical strength, calmness on the ball, and technical ability.
His versatility and composure have rarely been overawed. Since making his All-Whites debut in September 2021, he has become one of the first picks, accumulating 21 appearances for the national team.
